As its unabbreviated name implies, an EGT or exhaust gas temperature sensor checks your exhaust gas temperature.
EGT sensors are becoming more common in new cars as a result of more strict pollution regulations. Since they’re a high-failure component, they’re also becoming a more common fix.
This article will teach you what an EGT sensor does, why and how it can fail, and how to replace it.
What Is an EGT Sensor
So the EGT Sensor checks your exhaust gas temperature, but then what?
Well, the temperature reading is sent back to your engine’s control unit, know as its ECU. The information is then deciphered and used to trigger specific processes to protect vital aspects and components in gas engines.
This type of protection is typically needed in downsized engines. And, the way it protects your engine is by lowering a turbo’s boost pressure, or it can inject more fuel to run through your catalytic converter.
Diesel engines can also make use of EGT sensors to keep track of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) temperatures. It does this so your car’s ECU can figure out if the temperature is too high, leading to the engine giving out harmful emissions.
Why Do EGT Sensors Fail?
Ironically, excessively high temperatures are among the most frequent causes of exhaust gas temperature sensor loss, which is precisely what they shield other components from.
Extreme friction can loosen internal links in wired sensors, and any twists can cause the wire to snap, leaving them especially susceptible to failure when removing other exhaust system components.
Furthermore, other fluid contamination, including oil or coolants, will impair the device’s behavior, allowing it to wander out of tolerance and have incorrect readings.
How to Replace an EGT Sensor
There are simple and easy to follow to steps to replace an EGT sensor that’s faulty.
Here’s a quick little guide:
- Find the faulty sensor, and be aware that it will be positioned in different places depending on its purpose. Check each end of your turbocharger or the catalytic converter and DPF.
- Now, disconnect the sensor’s electrical connection and unscrew it. Ensure you do not disturb other nearby components as they may be easily damaged.
- Grab your replacement sensor, and it’s a good idea to add an anti-seizing agent to the thread to promote more extended functionality. Again, take care to apply the agent with respect as the sensor can be a little delicate compared to other components.
- Proceed to install your EGT sensor and reconnect the electrical parts.
- Lastly, check all the lights and controls included and then take your ride for a spin to give it a proper test.
Check out DPF Parts Direct if you need a replacement EGT sensor.
Final Thoughts
Running EGT sensors and replacing them might sound a little complicated at first, but it’s pretty easy once you look into it.
As well, they are very useful with downsized engines, and you can pick sensors up quite easily these days